By Savannah Doviak There’s much more to Fire Island than what is seen by passing visitors. Miles of beautiful beaches make this little slice of island a summer paradise, yet in cherishing the unforgettable summers, we also remember those who are missed. On Nov. 26, 2016, the passing of Robert ‘Bobby’ Chinkel left his family devastated, as well as the …

Fair Harbor By Emily S. Brafman In May I start having dreams that I missed the whole summer! Fall is upon us. Swimming and sailing lessons are over. No more quiet mornings on my deck. The ocean isn’t waiting for me. I wake up startled because I’m sure that the summer hasn’t even started. I’m obviously relieved when I realize …

FAIR HARBOR By Emily S. Brafman Dolphins!!! I have waited 42 years to see dolphins on our Fire Island beaches, and this week they passed us by, not once, but two times. I can’t explain the feeling of pure exhilaration that overtakes me when I see them. If you ask the people that were around me on the beach at …

FAIR HARBOR By Emily S. Brafman Today I sit in the roof of my NYC apartment building writing to you from my repaired computer! It is not my usual spot but the morning air is cool and the sun is shining bright. It will do until I am back on my deck in Fair Harbor a week from tomorrow. When …

FAIR HARBOR By Emily S. Brafman In the real world there is a lot going on; Gun violence, racism, terrorism and the real possibility we will have a reality show star as our next president. It is a scary world we live in. There were some families that moved to Fire Island after 9/11. For me, the thought of living …

FAIR HARBOR By Emily S. Brafman When a Saturday morning starts out cool, cloudy – and you’re happy about it – then one has acclimated to life on the island. After a picture perfect week of warm sun, and crystal clear (freezing cold) ocean waves, I am sitting here happily at the bay in my zip-up sweatshirt, watching my kids swim …

FAIR HARBOR by Emily S. Brafman FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NEVER been to Fair Harbor or are here for your first visit, I promise you it will not be your last. Fair Harbor is intoxicating and if you are the type of person who likes the simple life, you have just set foot upon your happy place. Fair …

FAIR HARBOR By Emily Sunshine Brafman I am finally writing in my favorite spot…on my deck, in the big red chair with the canopy that almost shields me from the sun. The air is warm but there is a slight breeze and I can hear the morning doves cooing behind me. It is one of the many signs that summer …